Substituted 2-oxy-3,5-dicyano-4aryl-6-aminopyridines and use thereof

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to compounds of formula (I) 
                         
in which the variable groups are as defined in the text and claims. A pharmaceutical composition and methods of using these materials in treatment of various conditions are also disclosed and claimed.

The present invention relates to the use of substituted 2-oxy-3,5-dicyano-4-aryl-6-aminopyridines as medicaments and to novel 2-oxy-3,5-dicyano-4-aryl-6-aminopyridines and to a process for their preparation.

Adenosine, a nucleoside consisting of adenine and D-ribose, is an endogenous factor having cell-protective activity, in particular under cell-damaging conditions with limited oxygen and substrate supply, such as, for example, in the case of ischemia in various organs (for example heart and brain).

Adenosine is formed intracellularly as an intermediate during the degradation of adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMP) and S-adenosylhomocysteine, but it can be released from the cell, in which case it acts as a hormone-like substance or neurotransmitter by binding to specific receptors.

Under normoxic conditions, the concentration of free adenosine in the extracellular space is very low. However, under ischemic or hypoxic conditions, the extracellular concentration of adenosine in the affected organs is increased dramatically. Thus, it is known, for example, that adenosine inhibits platelet aggregation and increases the blood supply to the coronary arteries. Furthermore, it acts on the heart rate, on the release of neurotransmitters and on lymphocyte differentiation.

The aim of these actions of adenosine is to increase the oxygen supply of the affected organs and/or to reduce the metabolism of these organs in order to adjust the metabolism of the organ to the blood supply of the organ under ischemic or hypoxic conditions.

The action of adenosine is mediated via specific receptors. To date, subtypes A1, A2a, A2b and A3 are known. The actions of these adenosine receptors are mediated intracellularly by the messenger cAMP. In the case of the binding of adenosine to the A2a or A2b receptors, the intracellular cAMP is increased via activation of the membrane-bound adenylate cyclase, whereas binding of adenosine to A1 or A3 receptors results in a decrease of the intracellular cAMP concentration via inhibition of adenylate cyclase.

According to the invention, “adenosine-receptor-selective ligands” are substances which bind selectively to one or more subtypes of the adenosine receptors, thus either mimicking the action of adenosine (adenosine agonists) or blocking its action (adenosine antagonists).

According to their receptor selectivity, adenosine-receptor-selective ligands can be divided into different categories, for example ligands which bind selectively to the A1 or A2 receptors of adenosine and in the case of the latter also, for example, those which bind selectively to the A2a or the A2b receptors of adenosine. Also possible are adenosine receptor ligands which bind selectively to a plurality of subtypes of the adenosine receptors, for example ligands which bind selectively to the A1 and the A2, but not to the A3 receptors of adenosine.

The abovementioned receptor selectivity can be determined by the effect of the substances on cell lines which, after stable transfection with the corresponding cDNA, express the receptor subtypes in question (see the publication M. E. Olah, H. Ren, J. Ostrowski, K. A. Jacobson, G. L. Stiles, “Cloning, expression, and characterization of the unique bovine A1 adenosine receptor. Studies on the ligand binding site by site-directed mutagenesis.” in J. Biol. Chem. 267 (1992) pages 10764-10770, the disclosure of which is hereby fully incorporated by way of reference).

The effect of the substances on such cell lines can be monitored by biochemical measurement of the intracellular messenger cAMP (see the publication K. N. Klotz, J. Hessling, J. Hegler, C. Owman, B. Kull, B. B. Fredholm, M. J. Lohse, “Comparative pharmacology of human adenosine receptor subtypes—characterization of stably transfected receptors in CHO cells” in Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch. Pharmacol. 357 (1998) pages 1-9, the disclosure of which is hereby fully incorporated by way of reference).

The “adenosine-receptor-specific” ligands known from the prior art are mainly derivatives based on natural adenosine (S.-A. Poulsen and R. J. Quinn, “Adenosine receptors: new opportunities for future drugs” in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry 6 (1998) pages 619 to 641; K. J. Broadley, “Drugs modulating adenosine receptors as potential therapeutic agents for cardiovascular diseases” in Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents 10 (2000) pages 1669-1692). However, most of the adenosine ligands known from the prior art have the disadvantage that their action is not really receptor-specific, that their activity is less than that of natural adenosine or that they have only very weak activity after oral administration. Thus they are mainly used only for experimental purposes.

It is an object of the present invention to find or provide pharmacologically active substances suitable for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of various disorders, in particular disorders of the cardiovascular system (cardiovascular disorders), the substances preferably acting as adenosine-receptor-selective ligands.

The present invention provides the use of compounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   R¹, R² and R³ independently of one another represent (C₁-C₈)-alkyl     which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one     another, by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl,     (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkynyl, halogen or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy,     (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may be substituted up to three times,     independently of one another, by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,     (C₁-C₈)-alkoxy which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, 5- to     10-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group     consisting of N, O and/or S, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy, halogen, cyano,     (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl, amino or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,     hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano or —NH—C(O)—R⁷,     -   in which     -   R⁷ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl         or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may         be substituted up to three times, independently of one another,         by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, carboxyl,         (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,         or -   R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and, together     with the two ring carbon atoms, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or     partially unsaturated heterocycle having one or two heteroatoms from     the group consisting of N, O and/or S, which may be substituted by     (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or oxo, -   R⁴ and R⁵ independently of one another represent hydrogen,     (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl     having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O     and/or S, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl     or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,     -   or -   R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached     form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated     heterocycle which may contain one or two further heteroatoms from     the group consisting of N, O and/or S in the ring and which may be     mono- to trisubstituted, independently of one another, by oxo,     fluorine, chlorine, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy,     and -   R⁶ represents (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, where alkyl may     be substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl     having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O     and/or S, where aryl and heteroaryl for their part may be     substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono-     or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl, -   and their salts, hydrates, hydrates of the salts and solvates, -   for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders.

Some of the substances mentioned above which, according to the present invention, can be used for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders are known from the literature (see Alvarez-Insua, Lora-Tamayo, Soto, Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry 7, pages 1305-1309, (1970); Quintela et al., Eur. J. Med. Chem. Chim. Ther. 19, 555-557 (1984); Ballantyne, Drug Chem. Toxicol. 8, 171-173 (1985); Seada et al., Orient. J. Chem. 5, 273-280 (1989); Mishriki et al., Recl. Trav. Chim. Pays-Bas 113, 35-39 (1994); Quintela et al., Tetrahedron 52, 10497-10506 (1996)). However, a therapeutic use for the known compounds has hitherto not been described in the literature. For the first time, this is done in the context of the present invention.

Depending on the substitution pattern, the compounds of the formula (I) can exist in stereoisomeric forms which are either like image and mirror image (enantiomers) or not like image and mirror image (diastereomers). The invention relates both to the enantiomers or diastereomers and to their respective mixtures. The racemic forms, like the diastereomers, can be separated in a known manner into the stereoisomerically uniform components. Likewise, the present invention also relates to the tautomers of the compounds of the formula (I).

Salts of the compounds of the formula (I) can be physiologically acceptable salts of the compounds according to the invention with mineral acids, carboxylic acids, or sulfonic acids. Particular preference is given, for example, to salts with hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, naphthalenedisulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid or benzoic acid.

Salts which may be mentioned include salts with customary bases, such as, for example, alkali metal salts (for example sodium salts or potassium salts), alkaline earth metal salts (for example calcium salts or magnesium salts) or ammonium salts, derived from ammonia or organic amines, such as, for example, diethylamine, triethylamine, ethyldiisopropylamine, procaine, dibenzylamine, N-methylmorpholine, dihydroabietylamine, 1-ephenamine or methylpiperidine.

According to the invention, hydrates or solvates are those forms of the compounds of the formula (I) which, in solid or liquid state, form, by hydration with water or coordination with solvent molecules, a molecule compound or a complex. Examples of hydrates are sesquihydrates, monohydrates, dihydrates or trihydrates. Likewise, the hydrates or solvates of salts of the compounds according to the invention are also suitable.

Moreover, the invention also includes prodrugs of the compounds according to the invention. According to the invention, prodrugs are forms of compounds of the formula (I) which for their part may be biologically active or inactive, but which can be converted under physiological conditions (for example metabolically or solvolytically) into the corresponding biologically active form.

In the context of the present invention, the substituents have, unless defined otherwise, the following meanings:

Halogen generally represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. Preference is given to fluorine, chlorine or bromine. Very particularly preferred are fluorine or chlorine.

(C₁-C₈)-Alkyl (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkyl generally represent a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 8, 1 to 6 and 1 to 4 carbon atoms, respectively. Preference is given to a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Particular preference is given to a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl.

(C₂-C₄-Alkenyl generally represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are: vinyl, allyl, isopropenyl and n-but-2-en-1-yl.

(C₂-C₄)-Alkynyl generally represents a straight-chain or branched alkynyl radical having 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are: ethynyl, n-prop-2-yn-1-yl and n-but-2-yn-1-yl.

(C₁-C₈)-Alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy generally represent a straight-chain or branched alkoxy radical having 1 to 8, 1 to 6 and 1 to 4 carbon atoms, respectively. Preference is given to a straight-chain or branched alkoxy radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Particular preference is given to a straight-chain or branched alkoxy radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are: methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, isobutoxy, tert-butoxy.

(C₁-C₄)-Alkoxycarbonyl generally represents a straight-chain or branched alkoxy radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which is attached via a carbonyl group. Examples which may be mentioned are: methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, n-propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl and t-butoxycarbonyl.

In the context of the invention, mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino represents an amino group having one or two identical or different straight-chain or branched alkyl substituents each having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are: methylamino, ethylamino, n-propylamino, isopropylamino, t-butylamino, N,N-dimethylamino, N,N-diethylamino, N-ethyl-N-methylamino, N-methyl-N-n-propylamino, N-isopropyl-N-n-propylamino and N-t-butyl-N-methylamino.

(C₃-C₇)-Cycloalkyl and (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl generally represent a cyclic alkyl radical having 3 to 7 and 3 to 6 carbon atoms, respectively. Preference is given to cyclic alkyl radicals having 3 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples which may be mentioned are: cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

(C₆-C₁₀)-Aryl generally represents an aromatic radical having 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferred aryl radicals are phenyl and naphthyl.

(C₆-C₁₀)-Aryloxy generally represents an aromatic radical as defined above which is attached via an oxygen atom.

5- to 10-membered heteroaryl having up to 3 heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and/or S generally represents a mono- or bicyclic, optionally benzo-fused heteroaromatic which is attached via a ring carbon atom of the heteroaromatic, if appropriate also via a ring nitrogen atom of the heteroaromatic. Examples which may be mentioned are: pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, oxdiazolyl, isoxazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl or benzimidazolyl. The corresponding heteroaromatics having fewer heteroatoms, such as, for example, those having one or 2 heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and/or S, or those having a smaller ring size, such as, for example, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, are derived analogously from this definition. In general, preference is given to 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocycles having one or 2 heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and/or S. Examples which may be mentioned are: pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyridazinyl, furyl, imidazolyl or thienyl.

5- to 7-membered heterocycle generally represents a saturated or partially unsaturated, optionally benzo-fused heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and/or S. Examples which may be mentioned are: tetrahydrofuryl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, dihydropyridinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, hexahydropyranyl. The corresponding heterocycles having fewer heteroatoms, such as, for example, one or 2 heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and/or S, or a smaller ring size, such as, for example, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl, are derived analogously from this definition. Preference is given to saturated heterocycles having up to 2 heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and/or S, in particular piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl and pyrrolidinyl.

Moreover, the present invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   R¹, R² and R³ independently of one another represent (C₁-C₈)-alkyl     which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one     another, by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl,     (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkynyl, halogen or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy,     (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may be substituted up to three times,     independently of one another, by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,     (C₁-C₈)-alkoxy which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, 5- to     10-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group     consisting of N, O and/or S, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy, halogen, cyano,     (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl, amino or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,     hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano or —NH—C(O)—R⁷,     -   in which     -   R⁷ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl         or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may         be substituted up to three times, independently of one another,         by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, carboxyl,         (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,         or -   R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and, together     with the two ring carbon atoms, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or     partially unsaturated heterocycle having one or two heteroatoms from     the group consisting of N, O and/or S, which may be substituted by     (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or oxo, -   R⁴ and R⁵ independently of one another represent hydrogen,     (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl     having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O     and/or S, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl     or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,     -   or -   R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached     form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated     heterocycle which may contain one or two further heteroatoms from     the group consisting of N, O and/or S in the ring and which may be     mono- to trisubstituted, independently of one another, by oxo,     fluorine, chlorine, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy,     and -   R⁶ represents (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, where alkyl may     be substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl     having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O     and/or S, where aryl and heteroaryl for their part may be     substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono-     or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl,     and their salts, hydrates, hydrates of the salts and solvates,     but except for the following compounds of the formula (I) in which     the radicals R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are as defined below:     -   R¹=R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R¹=4-methyl; R²=R³=R⁴=R=H; R⁴=ethyl     -   R¹=3-methyl; R²=R³=R=R=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R¹=4-methoxy; R²=R³=R⁴=R=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R¹=4-methoxy; R²=3-methoxy; R³=5-methoxy; R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R¹=2-chlorine; R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R¹=4-chlorine; R¹=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R¹=3-methyl; R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R¹=R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=methyl     -   R¹=R²<R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=propyl     -   R¹=R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=isopropyl     -   R¹=2-hydroxy; R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=ethyl     -   R=4-fluorine; R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=methyl     -   R¹=4-methoxy; R²=R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=methyl     -   R¹=R²=—O—CH₂—O—; R³=R⁴=R⁵=H; R⁶=methyl.

Preference is given to compounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   R¹, R² and R³ independently of one another represent hydrogen,     hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,     fluorine, chlorine, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, which may be substituted by     hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl,     —NH—C(O)—CH₃ or —NH—C(O)—C₂H₅,     or -   R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and represent a     group —O—CH₂—O— or —CH₂—CH₂—O—, -   R⁴ and R⁵ independently of one another represent hydrogen,     (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy     or cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl, benzyl or pyridylmethyl,     or -   R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached     form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated     heterocycle which may contain a further heteroatom from the group     consisting of N, O or S in the ring and which may be mono- to     trisubstituted, independently of one another, by hydroxyl,     (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     and -   R⁶ represents (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, which is     substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl having up to     three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and/or S, where     phenyl and heteroaryl for their part may be substituted by fluorine,     chlorine, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono- or     di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl, or unsubstituted     (C₄-C₆)-alkyl     and their salts, hydrates, hydrates of the salts and solvates.

Particular preference is given to compounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   R¹ and R² independently of one another represent hydrogen, methoxy,     ethoxy, -   n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or —NH—C(O)—CH₃, where the alkoxy     radicals for their part may be substituted by hydroxyl, methoxy,     ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or cyclopropyl,     or -   R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and represent a     group —O—CH₂—O—, -   R³ represents hydrogen, -   R⁴ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, where     the alkyl radicals for their part may be substituted by hydroxyl,     methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or cyclopropyl, or     cyclopropyl, -   R⁵ represents hydrogen or a methyl group,     and -   R⁶ represents methyl or ethyl which are substituted by pyridyl,     phenyl which for its part may be substituted by cyano, nitro,     methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy,     n-butoxy or amino, hydroxyl or methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy,     isopropoxy, n-butoxy,     and their salts, hydrates, hydrates of the salts and solvates.

Particular preference is also given to compounds of the formula (I) in which R³ represents hydrogen.

Particular preference is also given to compounds of the formula (I) in which R² and R³ represent hydrogen.

Particular preference is also given to compounds of the formula (I) in which R⁴ represents hydrogen.

Particular preference is also given to compounds of the formula (I) in which R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms located in the para- and meta-positions to the point of attachment of the pyridine ring and represent a group —O—CH₂—O—.

Preference is also given to compounds of the formula (I)

in which

-   R¹, R² and R³ independently of one another represent (C₁-C₈)-alkyl     which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one     another, by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl,     (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkynyl, halogen or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy,     (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may be substituted up to three times,     independently of one another, by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,     (C₁-C₈)-alkoxy which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, 5- to     10-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group     consisting of N, O and/or S, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy, halogen, cyano,     (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl, amino or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,     hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano or —NH—C(O)—R⁷,     -   in which     -   R⁷ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl         or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may         be substituted up to three times, independently of one another,         by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, carboxyl,         (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino,         or -   R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and, together     with the two ring carbon atoms, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or     partially unsaturated heterocycle having one or two heteroatoms from     the group consisting of N, O and/or S, which may be substituted by     (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or oxo, -   R⁴ represents hydrogen, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by     hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to     6-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group     consisting of N, O and/or S, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl which may be     substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,     and -   R⁵ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl,     (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to     6-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group     consisting of N, O and/or S, or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl which may be     substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl,     -   or -   R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached     form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated     heterocycle which may contain one or two further heteroatoms from     the group consisting of N, O and/or S in the ring and which may be     mono- to trisubstituted, independently of one another, by oxo,     fluorine, chlorine, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy,     and -   R⁶ represents (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, where alkyl may     be substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,     (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl     having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O     and/or S, where aryl and heteroaryl for their part may be     substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono-     or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl,     and their salts, hydrates, hydrates of the salts and solvates.

Preference is also given to compounds of examples 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and their salts, hydrates, hydrates of the salts and solvates.

The general or preferred radical definitions or illustrations given above can be combined with one another as desired, i.e. including combinations between the respective ranges and preferred ranges. They apply both to the end products and, correspondingly, to precursors and intermediates.

The present invention furthermore relates to a process for preparing the compounds of the formula (I), characterized in that either

[A] compounds of the formula (II)

in which R¹, R², R³ and R⁶ are as defined above and X represents a suitable leaving group, for example chlorine, bromine, methylthio or phenylthio, are reacted in an inert solvent with compounds of the formula (III) R⁴—N—R⁵  (III) in which R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined above, or [B] compounds of the formula (IV)

in which

-   R¹, R² and R³ are as defined above and X¹ and X² independently of     one another represent suitable leaving groups having the definition     of X defined above,     are initially converted in an inert solvent with compounds of the     formula (III) into to compounds of the formula (V)

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and X² are as defined above, and these are then reacted in the presence of a base, if appropriate in an inert solvent, with compounds of the formula (VI) R⁶—OH  (VI) in which R⁶ is as defined above, or [C] if, in compounds of the formula (I), R⁴ and R⁵ each represent hydrogen, compounds of the formula (VI)

in which R¹, R² and R³ are as defined above are reacted in the presence of a base, if appropriate with addition of an inert solvent, with malonitrile and compounds of the formula (VI).

The process according to the invention can be illustrated in an exemplary manner by the formula scheme below:

Suitable solvents for the process step [A]: (II)+(III)→(I) are organic solvents which do not change under the reaction conditions. These include alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol and isopropanol, ketones, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, acyclic and cyclic ethers, such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran, esters, such as ethyl acetate, or butyl acetate, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene, toluene, hexane or cyclohexane, chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane, chlorobenzene or dichloroethane, or other solvents, such as dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, pyridine or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Another suitable solvent is water. It is also possible to use mixtures of the solvents mentioned above. Preference is given to tetrahydrofuran.

The reaction is generally carried out in a temperature range of from −78° C. to +150° C., preferably in the range from +20° C. to +80° C., in particular from +20° C. to +40° C.

The reaction can be carried out under atmospheric, elevated or reduced pressure, for example in the range of from 0.5 to 5 bar. In general, the reaction is carried out at atmospheric pressure.

In general, the reaction is carried out using an excess of compound (III), preferably in a ratio of from 2 to 8 mol of the compound (III) per mole of the compound (II).

The compounds of the general formula (II) are known to the person skilled in the art or can be prepared analogously to methods known from the literature [see, for example, J. M. Quintela, J. L. Soto, Anales de Quimica 79, 368-372 (1983)].

The compounds of the general formula (III) are commercially available, known to the person skilled in the art or can be prepared by methods from the literature.

Suitable solvents for the first reaction step [B]: (IV)+(III)→(V) are organic solvents which are inert under the reaction conditions. These include ketones, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, acyclic and cyclic ethers, such as diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran, esters, such as ethyl acetate or butyl acetate, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene, toluene, hexane or cyclohexane, chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane, chlorobenzene or dichloroethane, or other solvents, such as dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, pyridine or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It is also possible to use mixtures of the solvents mentioned above. Preference is given to 1,2-dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran.

The reaction is generally carried out in a temperature range of from −78° C. to +120° C., preferably in the range from +20° C. to +60° C., in particular from +20° C. to +40° C.

The reaction can be carried out under atmospheric, elevated or reduced pressure, for example in the range of from 0.5 to 5 bar. In general, the reaction is carried out at atmospheric pressure.

In general, the reaction is carried out using an equivalent amount or an excess of compound (III), preferably in a ratio of from 1 to 8 mol of the compound (III), particularly preferably in a ratio of from 1 to 2 mol of the compound (III), per mole of the compound (IV).

The reaction can also be carried out in the presence of auxiliary bases, such as, for example, trialkylamines, such as triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine, alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate, or amidines, such as DBN (1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene) or DBU (1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene).

The compounds of the general formula (IV) are known or can be prepared analogously to methods known from the literature [see, for example, Quintela et al., Heterocycles 38, 1299-1305 (1994)].

The compounds of the general formula (V) are known or can be prepared analogously to methods known from the literature [see, for example, Quintela et al., Heterocycles 38, 1299-1305 (1994), Kambe et al., Synthesis, 531-533 (1981), Elnagdi et al., Z. Naturforsch. 47b, 572-578 (1991)].

The second process step [B]: (V)+(VI)→(I) can be carried out neat, in the absence of a solvent, or in a solvent. Suitable solvents are organic solvents which are inert under the reaction conditions. These include ketones, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, acyclic and cyclic ethers, such as diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran, esters, such as ethyl acetate or butyl acetate, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene, toluene, hexane or cyclohexane, chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane, chlorobenzene or dichloroethane, or other solvents, such as dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, pyridine or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Another suitable solvent is water. It is also possible to use mixtures of the solvents mentioned above. Preference is given to acetonitrile, 1,2-dimethoxyethane and tetrahydrofuran.

Suitable bases are the customary inorganic or organic bases. These include alkali metal hydroxides, such as, for example, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydride, amides, such as sodium amide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide or lithium diisopropylamide, organometallic compounds, such as butyllithium or phenyllithium, amines, such as triethylamine or pyridine, or else the sodium or potassium salt of the compound of the general formula (VI) in question itself. Preference is given to potassium tert-butoxide and potassium carbonate.

Here, the base can be employed in a ratio of from 1 to 10 mol, preferably in a ratio of from 1 to 5 mol, in particular in a ratio of from 1 to 4 mol, of base per mole of the compound (VI).

The reaction is generally carried out in a temperature range of from −78° C. to +120° C., preferably in the range from +20° C. to +100° C., in particular from +20° C. to +80° C.

The reaction can be carried out under atmospheric, elevated or reduced pressure, for example in the range of from 0.5 to 5 bar. In general, the reaction is carried out at atmospheric pressure.

The reaction is generally carried out using an equivalent amount or an excess of compound (VI), preferably in a ratio of from 1 to 50 mol of the compound (VI) per mole of the compound (V).

The compounds of the general formula (VI) are commercially available, known to the person skilled in the art or can be prepared by methods known from the literature.

Process [C]: (VII)→(I), where R⁴=R⁵=H, is carried out analogously to a method known from the literature [Alvarez-Insua et al., Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry 7, 1305-1309 (1970)].

The reaction can be carried out neat, in the absence of a solvent, or in a solvent. Suitable solvents are organic solvents which are inert under the reaction conditions. These include ketones, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, acyclic and cyclic ethers, such as diethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane or tetrahydrofuran, esters, such as ethyl acetate or butyl acetate, hydrocarbons, such as benzene, xylene, toluene, hexane or cyclohexane, chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as dichloromethane, chlorobenzene or dichloroethane, or other solvents, such as dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, pyridine or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It is also possible to use mixtures of the solvents mentioned above. The reaction is preferably carried out neat, in the absence of a solvent.

Suitable bases are the customary inorganic or organic bases. These include alkali metal hydroxides, such as, for example, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydride, amides, such as sodium amide, lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide or lithium diisopropylamide, organometallic compounds, such as butyllithium or phenyllithium, amines, such as triethylamine or pyridine, or else the sodium or potassium salt of the compound of the general formula (VI) in question itself. Preference is given to the sodium or potassium salt of the compound of the general formula (VI) in question.

Here, the base can be employed in a ratio of from 1 to 10 mol, preferably in a ratio of from 1 to 5 mol, in particular in a ratio of from 1 to 4 mol, of base per mole of the compound (VII).

The reaction is generally carried out in a temperature range of from −78° C. to +180° C., preferably in the range from +20° C. to +160° C., in particular from +20° C. to +120° C.

The reaction can be carried out under atmospheric, elevated or reduced pressure, for example in the range of from 0.5 to 5 bar. In general, the reaction is carried out at atmospheric pressure.

The reaction is generally carried out using an equivalent amount or an excess of compound (VI), preferably in a ratio of from 1 to 50 mol of (VI) per mole of the compound (VII).

The compounds of the general formula (VII) are commercially available, known to the person skilled in the art or can be prepared by methods known from the literature.

Surprisingly, the compounds of the formula (I) have an unforeseeable pharmacological activity spectrum and are therefore suitable in particular for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders.

The compounds of the formula (I) are suitable for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a number of disorders, such as, for example, in particular disorders of the cardiovascular system (cardiovascular disorders).

In the context of the present invention, cardiovascular disorders are to be understood as meaning, in particular, for example the following disorders: coronary heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), restenosis, for example after balloon dilation of peripheral blood vessels, arteriosclerosis, tachycardia, arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disorders and cardiovascular disorders, stable and unstable angina pectoris and atrial fibrillation.

The compounds of the formula (I) are furthermore also particularly suitable, for example, for reducing the size of the myocardial area affected by an infarct.

The compounds of the formula (I) are furthermore particularly suitable, for example, for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of thromboembolic disorders and ischemias, such as myocardial infarction, stroke and transitory ischemic attacks.

Further areas of indication for which the compounds of the formula (I) are suitable are, for example, in particular the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders of the urogenital system, such as, for example, an irritable bladder, erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction and cancer, but additionally also the prophylaxis and/or treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as, for example, asthma and inflammatory dermatoses, of neuroinflammatory disorders of the central nervous system, such as, for example, disorders after stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and furthermore also of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, and also of pain.

A further area of indication is, for example, in particular the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract, such as, for example, asthma, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchiectases, cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis) and pulmonary hypertension.

The compounds of the formula (I) are furthermore also suitable, for example, in particular for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis.

Finally, the compounds of the formula (I) are in particular also suitable, for example, for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diabetes, in particular diabetes mellitus.

The present invention also relates to the use of the substances of the formula (I) for preparing medicaments and pharmaceutical compositions for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of the clinical pictures mentioned above.

The present invention furthermore relates to a method for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of the clinical pictures mentioned above using the substances of the formula (I).

The pharmaceutical activity of the compounds of the formula (I) mentioned above can be explained by their activity as selective ligands on individual subtypes or a plurality of subtypes of the adenosine receptors, in particular as selective ligands on adenosine A1, adenosine A2a and/or adenosine A2b receptors, preferably as selective ligands on adenosine A1 and/or adenosine A2b receptors.

In the context of the present invention, adenosine receptor ligands are referred to as being “selective” if, firstly, they are clearly active on one or more adenosine receptor subtypes and, secondly, the activity that can be observed on one or more other adenosine receptor subtypes is considerably weaker, if present at all, where, with respect to the test methods for selectivity of action, reference is made to the test methods described in Section A. II.

One advantage of the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention is that they are more selective than adenosine receptor ligands of the prior art.

In particular, compounds of the formula (I) in which R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and represent a group —O—CH₂—O—, —O—CH₂—CH₂—O— or —O—(CH₂)₃—O— generally act selectively on adenosine A1 receptors.

In particular, compounds of the formula (I) in which one of the radicals R¹, R² or R³ represents —NH—C(O)—R⁷ and one of the radicals R⁴ or R⁵ represents benzyl or pyridylmethyl generally act selectively on adenosine A1 and adenosine A2b receptors.

The receptor selectivity can be determined by biochemical measurement of the intracellular messenger cAMP in the transfected cells which specifically only express one subtype of the adenosine receptors. Here, what is observed is, in the case of A2a and A2b agonists (coupling preferably via Gs proteins) an increase of the intracellular cAMP concentration and in the case of A2a and A2b antagonists a decrease of the intracellular cAMP concentration, respectively, following prestimulation with adenosine or adenosine-like substances (see the publications B. Kull, G. Arslan, C. Nilsson, C. Owman, A. Lorenzen, U. Schwabe, B. B. Fredholm, “Differences in the order of potency for agonists but not antagonists at human and rat adenosine A2A receptors”, Biochem. Pharmacol., 57 (1999) pages 65-75; and S. P. Alexander, J. Cooper, J. Shine, S. J. Hill, “Characterization of the human brain putative A2B adenosine receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO.A2B4) cells”, Br. J. Pharmacol., 119 (1996) pages 1286-90, the respective content of which is expressly incorporated herein by way of reference). Correspondingly, A1 agonists (coupling preferably via Gi proteins) and A1 antagonists result in a decrease and increase, respectively, of the cAMP concentration.

Thus, compounds of the formula (I) which bind selectively to adenosine A1 receptors are preferably suitable for myocard protection and for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of tachycardia, atrial arrhythmias, cardiac insufficiency, myocardial infarction, acute kidney failure, diabetes, pain, and for wound healing.

Compounds of the formula (I) which bind selectively to adenosine A2a receptors are preferably suitable for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of thromboembolic disorders, of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and for wound healing.

Compounds of the formula (I) which bind selectively to adenosine A2b receptors are preferably suitable for the prophylaxis and/or therapy of liver fibrosis, of myocardial infarction, of neuroinflammatory disorders, of Alzheimer's disease, of urogenital incontinence and of disorders of the respiractory tract, such as, for example, asthma and chronic bronchitis.

The present invention also provides medicaments and pharmaceutical preparations comprising at least one compound of the formula (I), preferably together with one or more pharmacologically acceptable auxiliaries or carriers, and their use for the abovementioned purposes.

Suitable for administering the compounds of the formula (I) are all customary administration forms, i.e. oral, parenteral, inhalative, nasal, sublingual, rectal, local, such as, for example, in the case of implants or stents, or external, such as, for example, transdermal. In the case of parenteral administration, particular mention may be made of intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration, for example as a subcutaneous depot. Particular preference is given to oral administration.

Here, the active compounds can be administered on their own or in the form of preparations. Suitable preparations for oral administration are inter alia tablets, capsules, pellets, sugar-coated tablets, pills, granules, solid and liquid aerosols, syrups, emulsions, suspensions and solutions. Here, the active compound has to be present in such a quantity that a therapeutic effect is obtained. In general, the active compound can be present in a concentration of from 0.1 to 100% by weight, in particular from 0.5 to 90% by weight, preferably from 5 to 80% by weight, i.e. the active compound should be present in quantities sufficient to achieve the dosage range mentioned.

To this end, the active compounds can be converted in a manner known per se into the customary preparations. This is achieved using inert nontoxic pharmaceutically suitable carriers, auxiliaries, solvents, vehicles, emulsifiers and/or dispersants.

Auxiliaries which may be mentioned are, for example: water, nontoxic organic solvents, such as, for example, paraffins, vegetable oils (for example sesame oil), alcohols (for example ethanol, glycerol), glycols (for example polyethylene glycol), solid carriers, such as natural or synthetic ground minerals (for example talc or silicates), sugars (for example lactose), emulsifiers, dispersants (for example polyvinylpyrrolidone) and glidants (for example magnesium sulfate).

In the case of oral administration, tablets may, generally, also contain additives such as sodium citrate, together with adjuvants such as starch, gelatin and the like. Aqueous preparations for oral administration may furthermore be admixed with flavor enhancers or colorants.

In general, it has been found to be advantageous to administer, in the case of parenteral administration, quantities of from about 0.1 to about 10 000 μg/kg, preferably from about 1 to about 1000 μg/kg, in particular from about 1 μg/kg to about 100 μg/kg, of body weight, to obtain effective results. In the case of oral administration, the quantity is from about 0.1 to about 10 mg/kg, preferably from about 0.5 to about 5 mg/kg, in particular from about 1 to about 4 mg/kg, of body weight.

It may sometimes be required, depending on body weight, administration route, individual response to the active compound, the type of preparation and the time or interval at which administration takes place, to deviate from the quantities mentioned.

The present invention is illustrated by the following examples, which do not restrict the invention in any way.

A. ASSESSING PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

I. Detecting the Cardiovascular Effect

Langendorff Heart of the Rat

After the thorax has been opened, the heart is removed from anesthetized rats and introduced into a conventional Langendorff apparatus. The coronary arteries are perfused at constant volume (10 ml/min), and the resulting perfusion pressure is recorded by way of an appropriate pressure sensor. In this set-up, a decrease in the perfusion pressure corresponds to a relaxation of the coronary arteries. At the same time, the pressure which the heart develops during each contraction is measured by way of a balloon, which has been introduced into the left ventricle, and a second pressure sensor. The frequency of the heart, which is beating in isolation, is calculated from the number of contractions per time unit.

II. Assessing the Receptor Selectivity

a) Adenosine A1, A2a, A2b and A3 Receptor Selectivity

Cells of the CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) permanent cell line are transfected stably with the cDNA for the adenosine receptor subtypes A1, A2a, A2b and A3. The binding of the substances to the A2a or A2b receptor subtypes is determined by measuring the intracellular cAMP content in these cells using a conventional radioimmunological assay (cAMP RIA).

When the substances act as agonists, the binding of the substances is expressed as an increase in the intracellular content of cAMP. The adenosine-analogous compound NECA (5-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine), which binds to all adenosine receptor subtypes with high affinity but not selectively and possesses an agonistic effect, is used as the reference compound in these experiments (Klotz, K. N., Hessling, J., Hegler, J., Owman, C., Kull, B., Fredholm, B. B., Lohse, M. J., Comparative pharmacology of human adenosine receptor subtypes—characterization of stably transfected receptors in CHO cells, Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol, 357 (1998), 1-9).

The adenosine receptors A1 and A3 are coupled to a Gi protein, i.e. stimulation of these receptors leads to inhibition of the adenylate cyclase and consequently to a lowering of the intracellular cAMP level. In order to identify A1/A3 receptor agonists, the adenylate cyclase is stimulated with forskolin. However, an additional stimulation of the A1/A3 receptors inhibits the adenylate cyclase, which means that A1/A3 receptor agonists can be detected by a comparatively low content of cAMP in the cell.

In order to detect an antagonistic effect on adenosine receptors, the recombinant cells which are transfected with the corresponding receptor are prestimulated with NECA and the effect of the substances on reducing the intracellular content of cAMP occasioned by this prestimulation is investigated. XAC (xanthine amine congener), which binds to all adenosine receptor subtypes unselectively but with high affinity and possesses an antagonistic effect, is used as the reference compound in these experiments (Müller, C. E., Stein, B., Adenosine receptor antagonists: structures and potential therapeutic applications, Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2 (1996) 501-530).

b) Adenosine A1, A2a, A2b Receptor Selectivity

Cells of the CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) permanent cell line are transfected stably with the cDNA for the adenosine receptor subtypes A1, A2a and A2b. The adenosine A1 receptors are coupled to the adenylate cyclase by way of Gi proteins, while the adenosine A2a and A2b receptors are coupled by way of Gs proteins. In correspondence with this, the formation of cAMP in the cell is inhibited or stimulated, respectively. After that, expression of the luciferase is modulated by way of a cAMP-dependent promoter. The luciferase test is optimized, with the aim of high sensitivity and reproducibility, low variance and good suitability for implementation on a robot system, by varying several test parameters, such as cell density, duration of the growth phase and the test incubation, forskolin concentration and medium composition. The following test protocol is used for pharmacologically characterizing cells and for the robot-assisted substance test screening:

The stock cultures are grown, at 37° C. and under 5% CO₂, in DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% FCS (fetal calf serum) and in each case split 1:10 after 2-3 days. The test cultures are seeded in 384-well plates at the rate of from 1 000 to 3 000 cells per well and grown at 37° C. for approx. 48 hours. The medium is then replaced with a physiological sodium chloride solution (130 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl₂, 20 mM HEPES, 1 mM MgCl₂.6H₂O, 5 mM NaHCO₃, pH 7.4). The substances, which are dissolved in DMSO, are diluted 1:10 three times with this physiological sodium chloride solution and pipetted into the test cultures (maximum final concentration of DMSO in the test mixture: 0.5%). In this way, final substance concentrations of, for example, from 5 μM to 5 nM are obtained. 10 minutes later, forskolin is added to the A1 cells and all the cultures are subsequently incubated at 37° C. for 4 hours. After that, 35 μl of a solution which is composed of 50% lysis reagent (30 mM disodium hydrogenphosphate, 10% glycerol, 3% TritonX100, 25 mM Tris HCl, 2 mM dithiothreitol (DTT), pH 7.8) and 50% luciferase substrate solution (2.5 mM ATP, 0.5 mM luciferin, 0.1 mM coenzyme A, 10 mM tricine, 1.35 mM MgSO₄, 15 mM DTT, pH 7.8) are added to the test cultures, the plates are shaken for approx. 1 minute and the luciferase activity is measured using a camera system.

B. WORKING EXAMPLES Abbreviations Used

DMSO Dimethyl sulfoxide

HPLC High pressure, high performance liquid chromatography

NMR Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

THF Tetrahydrofuran

Example 1 2-Amino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

344 mg (15 mmol) of sodium were dissolved in 20.7 ml of benzyl alcohol. 660 mg (10 mmol) of malonitrile and 750 mg (5 mmol) of piperonal are then added, and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 16 h. 20 ml of water are added to the reaction mixture, and the mixture is neutralized using 1N hydrochloric acid. The mixture is extracted three times with in each case 50 ml of dichloromethane and the combined organic phases are dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The concentration residue is purified by silica gel chromatography (mobile phase: dichloromethane).

Yield: 872 mg (=40.1% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 370, found [M+H]⁺=371.

NMR spectrum: [¹H-NMR, DMSO-d₆] 5.45 [2H] s; 6.15 [2H] s; 7.0-7.2 [3H] m; 7.3-7.6 [5H] m; 7.8-8.2 [2H] s broad.

Example 2 2-Amino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-ethoxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The compound is prepared analogously to example 1.

Yield: 850 mg (=41.4% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 308, found [M+H]⁺=309.

Example 3 2-Amino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The compound is prepared analogously to example 1.

Yield: 1100 mg (=50.9% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 324, found [M+H]⁺=325.

Example 4 2-Ethylamino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile Step 1 2-Chloro-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

400 mg (1.08 mmol) of 2-amino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile (example 1) are dissolved in 10 ml of acetonitrile. 759 mg (0.87 ml, 6.48 mmol) of isoamyl nitrite and 871 mg (6.48 mmol) of copper(I) chloride are then added, and the mixture is stirred at 40° C. for about 16 h. The reaction solution is then diluted with 1N hydrochloric acid and extracted three times with in each case 50 ml of dichloromethane. The combined organic phases are dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The concentration residue is crystallized from dichloromethane/methanol.

Yield: 214 mg (=50.9% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 389, found [M+H]⁺=390.

Step 2 2-Ethylamino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

30 mg (0.08 mmol) of 2-chloro-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile (example 4, step 1) and 10.4 mg (0.23 mmol) of ethylamine are shaken together in 0.12 ml of THF for about 16 h. Water is added to the reaction solution and the product that crystallizes out is filtered off with suction and dried under reduced pressure.

Yield: 22 mg (=72.7% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 398, found [M+H]⁺=399.

Example 5 2-(2-Hydroxyethylamino)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

30 mg (0.08 mmol) of 2-chloro-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile (example 4, step 1) and 14.1 mg (0.23 mmol) of 2-hydroxyethylamine are shaken together in 0.5 ml of THF for about 16 h. Water is added to the reaction solution and the product that crystallizes out is filtered off with suction and dried under reduced pressure. The crude product is purified by silica gel chromatography using the mobile phases dichloromethane and dichloromethane/methanol 50:1.

Yield: 16 mg (=50% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 414, found [M+H]⁺=415.

NMR spectrum: [¹H-NMR, DMSO-d₆] 3.55 [4H] s; 4.8 [1H] s; 5.5 [2H] s; 6.15 [2H] s; 7.0-7.2 [3H] m; 7.3-7.6 [5H] m; 8 [1H] s.

Example 6 2-Methylamino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The compound is prepared analogously to example 4, step 2.

Yield: 26 mg (=88.9% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 384, found [M+H]⁺=385.

Example 7 2-(2-Methoxyethylamino)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The compound is prepared analogously to example 4, step 2.

Yield: 27 mg (=82.8% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 428, found [M+H]⁺=429.

Example 8 2-Cyclopropylamino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The compound is prepared analogously to example 4, step 2.

Yield: 24 mg (=76.9% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 410, found [M+H]⁺=411.

Example 9 2-Cyclopropylmethylamino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-benzyloxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The compound is prepared analogously to example 4, step 2.

Yield: 24 mg (=73.5% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 424, found [M+H]⁺=425.

Example 10 2-(2-Hydroxyethylamino)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-ethoxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The starting material 2-chloro-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-ethoxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile is prepared analogously to example 4, step 1, the product 2-(2-hydroxylethylamino)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-ethoxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile is prepared analogously to example 4, step 2.

Yield: 22 mg (=39.9% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 352, found [M+H]⁺=353.

Example 11 2-Cyclopropylamino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The starting material 2-chloro-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile is prepared analogously to example 4, step 1, the product 2-cyclopropylamino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile is prepared analogously to example 4, step 2.

Yield: 51 mg (=80% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 364, found [M+H]⁺=365.

Example 12 2-(2-methoxyethylamino)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-ethoxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

The starting material 2-chloro-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-ethoxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile is prepared analogously to example 4, step 1, the product 2-(2-methoxyethylamino)-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-ethoxy-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile is prepared analogously to example 4, step 2.

Yield: 54 mg (=96.5% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 366, found [M+H]⁺=367.

Example 13 2-Amino-4-phenyl-6-(2-pyridinylmethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

102 mg (0.4 mmol) of 2-amino-6-chloro-4-phenyl-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile [Quintela et al., Heterocycles 38, 1299-1305 (1994)] and 54 mg (0.48 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide are dissolved together in 1.696 g (=1.5 ml, 15.55 mmol) of 2-hydroxymethylpyridine, and the mixture is stirred at 60° C. for about 16 h. The product which crystallizes out is filtered off with suction, washed with water and dried under reduced pressure.

Yield: 128 mg (=97.8% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 327, found [M+H]⁺=328.

NMR spectrum: [¹H-NMR, DMSO-d₆] 5.55 [2H] s; 7.35 [1H] m; 7.5 [6H] m; 7.85 [1H] m; 8.05 [2H] s broad; 8.6 [1H] m.

Example 14 2-Amino-4-phenyl-6-(3-pyridinylmethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

102 mg (0.4 mmol) of 2-amino-6-chloro-4-phenyl-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile [Quintela et al., Heterocycles 38, 1299-1305 (1994)] and 54 mg (0.48 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide are dissolved together in 1.696 g (=1.5 ml, 15.55 mmol) of 3-hydroxymethylpyridine, and the mixture is stirred at 60° C. for about 16 h. The resulting suspension is acidified with two drops of glacial acetic acid. The product which crystallizes out is filtered off with suction, washed with water and dried under reduced pressure.

Yield: 130 mg (=99.7% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 327, found [M+H]⁺=328.

NMR spectrum: [¹H-NMR, DMSO-d₆] 5.5 [2H] s; 7.45 [6H] m; 7.95 [1H] m; 8.1 [2H] s broad; 8.55 [1H] m; 8.8 [1H] d.

Example 15 2-Amino-4-phenyl-6-(4-pyridinylmethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

102 mg (0.4 mmol) of 2-amino-6-chloro-4-phenyl-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile [Quintela et al., Heterocycles 38, 1299-1305 (1994)] are, together with 54 mg (0.48 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide and 131 mg (1.2 mmol) of 4-hydroxymethylpyridine, dissolved in 1.5 ml of DMSO, and the mixture is stirred at 60° C. for about 16 h. The reaction mixture is acidified with two drops of glacial acetic acid. The solution is purified by preparative HPLC on reversed-phase silica gel (gradient: water+0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile 90:10

10:90 in 12 minutes).

Yield: 66 mg (=50.5% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 327, found [M+H]⁺=328.

Example 16 N-{4-[2-Amino-6-(benzyloxy)-3,5-dicyano-4-pyridinyl]phenyl}acetamide

58 mg (0.15 mmol) of N-{4-[2-amino-3,5-dicyano-6-(phenylsulfanyl)-4-pyridinyl]phenyl}acetamide [prepared analogously to Kambe et al., Synthesis, 531-533 (1981)] are, together with 41 mg (0.3 mmol) of potassium carbonate, dissolved/suspended in 1.88 g (=1.8 ml, 17.4 mmol) of benzyl alcohol, and the mixture is stirred at 100° C. for 3.5 h. The benzyl alcohol is evaporated under reduced pressure and the evaporation residue is purified by preparative HPLC on reversed-phase silica gel (gradient: water/acetonitrile 90:10

10:90 in 38 minutes).

Yield: 38 mg (=67% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 383, found [M+H]⁺=384.

Example 17 2-Benzyloxy-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-4-phenyl-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile Step 1 2-Chloro-4-phenyl-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

1 g (3.65 mmol) of 2,6-dichloro-4-phenyl-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile [Quintela et al., Heterocycles 38, 1299-1305 (1994)] is, together with 0.33 g (5.47 mmol) of 2-aminoethanol, dissolved in 3 ml of THF, and the mixture is heated under reflux for 8 h. The reaction mixture is purified by preparative HPLC on reversed-phase silica gel (gradient: water+0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile 90:10

5:95 in 35 minutes).

Yield: 977 mg (=89.7% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 298, found [M+H]⁺=299.

Step 2 2-Benzyloxy-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-4-phenyl-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

58 mg (0.2 mmol) of 2-chloro-4-phenyl-6-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile (example 17, step 1) are, together with 27 mg (0.24 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide, dissolved in 0.96 g (=1 ml, 8.9 mmol) of benzyl alcohol, and the mixture is stirred at 40° C. for about 16 h. The reaction mixture is purified by preparative HPLC on reversed-phase silica gel (gradient: water+0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile 90:10

5:95 in 35 minutes).

Yield: 62 mg (=83.3% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 370, found [M+H]⁺=371.

Example 18 N-{4-[2-Amino-6-(3-pyridylmethyloxy)-3,5-dicyano-4-pyridinyl]phenyl}-acetamide

115 mg (0.3 mmol) of N-{4-[2-amino-3,5-dicyano-6-(phenylsulfanyl)-4-pyridinyl]phenyl}acetamide [prepared analogously to Kambe et al., Synthesis, 531-533 (1981)] are, together with 50 mg (0.45 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide, dissolved/suspended in 1.12 g (=1 ml, 10.3 mmol) of 3-pyridylmethyl alcohol, and the mixture is stirred at 60° C. for 2 h. The precipitate is filtered off with suction and suspended in a mixture of water and ethanol, and 0.3 ml of 5N acetic acid is added. After filtration, the product is purified by preparative HPLC on reversed-phase silica gel (gradient: water/acetonitrile 95:5

10:90 in 38 minutes).

Yield: 24 mg (=20% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 384, found [M+H]⁺=385.

NMR spectrum: [¹H-NMR, DMSO-d₆] 2.1 [3H] s; 5.5 [2H] s; 7.45 [3H] m; 7.7 [2H] d; 7.95 [1H] m; 8.1 [2H] s broad; 8.6 [1H] m; 8.8 [1H] s; 10.2 [1H] s.

Example 19 2-Amino-4-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-6-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)-methoxy]-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

100 mg (0.26 mmol) of 2-amino-4-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-6-(phenylsulfanyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile [prepared analogously to Kambe et al., Synthesis, 531-533 (1981)] are, together with 44 mg (0.39 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide and 334 mg (2.59 mmol) of (2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)methyl alcohol, stirred in 5 ml of 1,2-dimethoxyethane at room temperature overnight. The reaction solution is concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue is then purified by preparative HPLC on reversed-phase silica gel.

Yield: 41 mg (=39% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 405, found [M+H]⁺=406.

NMR spectrum: [¹H-NMR, DMSO-d₆] 2.65 (s, 3H); 4.3 (s, 4H); 5.45 (s, 2H); 7.0 (m, 3H); 7.7 (s, 1H); 8.0 (s broad; 2H).

Example 20 2-Amino-4-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-6-(3-thienylmethoxy)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile

100 mg (0.26 mmol) of 2-amino-4-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-6-(methylsulfanyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarbonitrile [prepared analogously to Dyachenko et al., Russian Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 33, No. 7, 1997, pages 1014-1017 or Vol. 34, No. 4, 1998, pages 557-563] are, together with 181 mg (1.6 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide and 184 mg (1.6 mmol) of 3-hydroxymethylthiophene, stirred at 50° C. for 4 h. After cooling, the reaction mixture is diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase is dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is crystallized from diethyl ether.

Yield: 57 mg (=47% of theory)

Mass spectrum: molar mass required: 376, found [M+H]⁺=377.

NMR spectrum: [¹H-NMR, DMSO-d₆] 5.45 (s, 2H); 6.15 (s, 2H); 7.0-7.15 (m, 3H); 7.25 (d, 1H); 7.55 (dd, 1H); 7.7 (d, 1H); 8.0 (s broad; 2H). 

1. A compound of the formula (I)

in which R¹ and R² independently of one another represent hydrogen, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or —NH—C(O)—R⁷, where the alkoxy radials for their part may be substituted by hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, or cyclopropyl, in which R⁷ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy; (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl; or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one another, by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy-, carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, or R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and are linked to represent a group —O—CH₂—O—, —O—CH₂—CH₂—O—, or —O—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—O—, R³ represents hydrogen, R⁴ and R⁵ independently of one another represent hydrogen, (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S, (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle which may contain one or two further heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S in the ring and which may be mono- to trisubstituted, independently of one another, by oxo, fluorine, chlorine, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, and R⁶ represents (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, where alkyl may be substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S; where aryl and heteroaryl for their part may be substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl, provided that if R⁶ represents (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, R⁶ is substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S; where aryl and heteroaryl for their part may be substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl, or a salt thereof.
 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 in which R¹ and R² independently of one another represent hydrogen, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or —NH—C(O)—R⁷, where the alkoxy radials for their part may be substituted by hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, or cyclopropyl, wherein R⁷ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy; (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl; or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one another, by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy-, carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, or R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and are linked to represent a group —O—CH₂—O—, —O—CH₂—CH₂—O—, or —O—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—O—, R³ represents hydrogen, R⁴ and R⁵ independently of one another represent hydrogen; (C₁-C₆)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy or cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl; benzyl; or pyridylmethyl, or R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle which may contain a further heteroatom from the group consisting of N, O and S in the ring and which may be mono- to trisubstituted, independently of one another, by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, and R⁶ represents (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, which is substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S; where phenyl and heteroaryl for their part may be substituted by fluorine, chlorine, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl; or unsubstituted (C₄-C₆)-alkyl or a salt thereof.
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1, in which R¹ and R² independently of one another represent hydrogen, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or —NH—C(O)—CH₃, where the alkoxy radicals for their part may be substituted by hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or cyclopropyl, or R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and are linked to represent a group —O—CH₂—O—, R³ represents hydrogen, R⁴ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, where the alkyl radicals for their part may be substituted by hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or cyclopropyl, R⁵ represents hydrogen or a methyl group, and R⁶ represents methyl or ethyl which are substituted by pyridyl, phenyl hydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, or n-butoxy, wherein said pyridyl and phenyl groups for their parts may be substituted by cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy or amino, or a salt thereof.
 4. A compound of the formula (I)

in which R¹, R² and R³ independently of one another represent (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one another, by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkynyl, halogen or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy; (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one another, by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino; (C₁-C₈)-alkoxy which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryloxy, halogen, cyano, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl, amino or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino; hydrogen; hydroxyl; halogen; nitro; cyano; or —NH—C(O)—R⁷, in which R⁷ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy; or (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl which may be substituted up to three times, independently of one another, by halogen, nitro, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy-, carboxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl or mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino; provided that R¹, R², and R³ cannot all be hydrogen; or R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and, together with the two ring carbon atoms, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle having one or two heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S, which may be substituted by (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or oxo, R⁴ represents hydrogen; (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S; or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, and R⁵ represents (C₁-C₈)-alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 6-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S; or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkyl which may be substituted by hydroxyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, provided that, if R⁴ and R⁵ are the same, R¹ and R² are attached to adjacent phenyl ring atoms and, together with the two ring carbon atoms, form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle having one or two heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S, which may be substituted by (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or oxo, or R⁴ and R⁵ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5- to 7-membered saturated or partially unsaturated heterocycle which may contain one or two further heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S in the ring and which may be mono- to trisubstituted, independently of one another, by oxo, fluorine, chlorine, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl or (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, and R⁶ represents (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl or (C₁-C₈)-alkyl, where alkyl may be substituted by (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₂-C₄)-alkenyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl or 5- to 10-membered heteroaryl having up to three heteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S, where aryl and heteroaryl for their part may be substituted by halogen, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, amino, mono- or di-(C₁-C₄)-alkylamino, nitro, cyano or hydroxyl, or a salt thereof.
 5. A pharmaceutical composition, comprising at least one compounds of the formula (1) as defined in claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 